Lagos State University urges Nigerians to support Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, after praising him on Thursday for demonstrating accountability.
The university gave the commendation in a statement issued by its Deputy Registrar and Coordinator, Centre for Information and Public Relations, Mrs Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile.
Thomas-Onashile advised Nigerians to regard the circumstances surrounding the conduct of this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation examination not as a failure on the part of JAMB but as an opportunity to further strengthen the examination processes.
“The events surrounding the conduct and outcome of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) have rightly sparked public concern among well-meaning Nigerians.
“However, the candid admission of technical failures that affected the examination and Oloyede’s decision to take full responsibility for the setback are precisely why LASU expresses its unwavering support for the JAMB registrar,” she said.
Thomas-Onashile recalled that Oloyede had at a news conference on May 14, stood before the country and done what most public officers would never do.
“He took full responsibility for the technical glitch and human errors that affected the results of 379,997 candidates who wrote the examination across five states in Lagos and the South-East, thus invalidating the results.
“In the press conference, which is marked by courage and humility rather than deflecting blame, Prof. Oloyede took full responsibility and immediately ordered a re-examination for all the affected candidates to restore confidence in the process.
“LASU stands solidly with Prof. Oloyede, affirming not only his courage and humility in this testing time but also, the depth of character cum integrity.
“The depth of character cum integrity has become the hallmark of his glittering career as a public servant,” she said.
The LASU official added that Oloyede’s choice to acknowledge flaws and subject the procedure to an internal technical assessment was a reflection to his extraordinary character.
“It demonstrates the kind of leadership that is scarce in the Nigerian public space.
“In fact, since taking office in 2016, Prof. Oloyede has transformed JAMB through comprehensive reforms that have significantly improved examination credibility and transparency.
“He has increased public confidence in the examination body, attracting plaudits from far and near.
“LASU has benefited immensely from the enhanced processes of JAMB, leading to the admission of better-qualified candidates in our university,” she said.
The JAMB registrar’s record, which dates back to his tenure as the University of Ilorin’s vice-chancellor, has continuously demonstrated a dedication to excellence and integrity, Thomas-Onashile continued.
“We, therefore, urge Nigerians to see this development, not as a failure but as an opportunity to strengthen our examination systems further.
“We believe that supporting leaders who demonstrate accountability, rather than condemning them for isolated shortcomings, is essential for Nigeria’s progress.
“May the Nigerian education family continue to make progress,” she prayed.
(NAN)
